Showing papers in "Journal of Andrology in 1981"
TL;DR: It was found that the optimal conditions for germ cell detachment without Sertoli cell impairment consist of incubation for 2.5 minutes at 20 C in 20 m TRISHCI.
Abstract: A new technique involving a brief hypotonic treatment was developed for obtaining pure rat Sertoli cell cultures. This method for the selective removal of the germ cells present in Sertoli cell enriched cultures (SCEC) Is based on the differential response of the two cell types to changes in osmolarity. It was found that the optimal conditions for germ cell detachment without Sertoli cell impairment consist of incubation for 2.5 minutes at 20 C in 20 m TRISHCI. When compared with SCEC, the Sertolicell-only cultures (SCOC) thus obtained retain unaltered morphologic features and responsiveness to FSH stimulation (morphologic modifications and 17 β-estradiol secretion). The availability of pure Sertoli cell cultures (Ie, free of contaminating germ cells) provides an advantage in the study of their metabolic activity. Moreover, with this technique it is feasible to compare Sertoli cell function in association with germ cells to function in the absence of germ cells.
406 citations
305 citations
TL;DR: Gossypol acetic acid administered orally at 30 mg/kg body weight/day for five weeks inhibited the fertility of male rats without an apparent loss of libido, and degeneration in the tail region of epididymal spermatozoa revealed.
Abstract: Gossypol acetic acid administered orally at 30 mg/kg body weight/day for five weeks inhibited the fertility of male rats without an apparent loss of libido. Sperm in the ejaculate were rendered immotile and were reduced in number. Serum testosterone and LH were reduced significantly from pretreatment values, whereas FSH values were not altered. Leydig cells from treated animals produced less testosterone than did control Leydig cells when incubated with LH. Furthermore, testosterone production by normal Leydig cells that were incubated with LH and gossypol was inversely related to gossypol concentration. Ultrastructural examination of epididymal spermatozoa revealed degeneration in the tail region, particularly in the mitochondrial sheath of the middle piece. Within the seminiferous epithelium, late spermatids displayed a similar degeneration, although not as severe. After a six-week recovery period, normal fertility was re-established and normal litters were produced. Sperm motility and number, serum testosterone and LH levels, and sperm structure all returned to normal.
143 citations
TL;DR: It is concluded that theb aged Leydig cell demonstrates altered early (1–6 hours) and late (24, 48, and 72 hours) responses to intramuscular injection of hCG, as assessed by circulating concentrations of testosterone, 17OH-progesterone, and estradiol.
Abstract: To assess the capacity of aging human Leydig cells to respond to intramuscular injection of hCG, six healthy men, 68 to 86 years old, and eight healthy younger subjects, 25 to 42 years old, were studied. After two control specimens, each subject was given hCG (40 IU/kg of body weight intramuscularly) at 0900 hours. Blood specimens were then obtained hourly for 6 hours and at 24, 48, and 72 hours.
The younger men had higher control concentrations of testosterone (P < 0.05). Both groups demonstrated biphasic elevations of circulating testosterone and 170H-progesterone with a nadir at 5 hours and 6 hours separating the rises. The early (1–6 hours) and late (24, 48, and 72 hours) testosterone and 170H-progesterone responses to hCG were significantly lower in older men. The older men demonstrated significant estradiol increases at 3, 4, and 6 hours, while the younger group had a significant 2-hour rise. However, the peak (24-hour) estradiol rises were significantly greater in the younger men.
We conclude that theb aged Leydig cell demonstrates altered early (1–6 hours) and late(24, 48, and 72 hours) responses to intramuscular injection of hCG, as assessed by circulating concentrations of testosterone, 17OH-progesterone, and estradiol.
76 citations
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39 citations
TL;DR: The early ultrastructural damage consisted of loss in thickness and lamination of the basal lamina, cellular organelie degeneration, and enlargement of the intercellular spaces between basal cells of the seminiferous tubules.
Abstract: Varicocele was produced in adult male macaque monkeys (Macaca fascicularls) by partial occlusion of the left renal vein. Left varicoceie was verified by palpation. An increase In temperature of the left testicle was noted. Bilateral testicular biopsies were obtained at six, nine, and 18-month intervals for morphologic studies. Early morphologic damage was not appreciated with the light microscope, but was found using transmission electron microscopy. The early ultrastructural damage consisted of loss in thickness and lamination of the basal lamina, cellular organelie degeneration, and enlargement of the intercellular spaces between basal cells of the seminiferous tubules. Later, ultrastructural damage was seen in the adluminal areas. At 18 months, ultrastructural damage had progressed to the right testis. Reflux of adrenal metabolites had no effect on the early ultrastructural damage.
38 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that estradiol in the presence of testosterone and the functional pituitary has a stimulatory effect on the growth of the lateral lobe of the rat prostate.
Abstract: In an attempt to elucidate the effect of estradiol on the rat prostate, four experiments were conducted In experiment 1, rats were orchiectomized and were given subcutaneous implants of silastic capsules containing steroid hormones in the following five treatment regimens: empty capsule (C); capsule filled with 2 cm of testosterone (T-2); T-2 plus 05 cm of e-tradiol (T-2 + E-05); T-2 plus 2 cm of estradiol (T-2 + E-2); and T-2 plus 5 cm of estradiol (T-2 + E-5) Three weeks later, no difference was noted in the ventral or the dorsal lobe of the prostate, but the lateral lobe was significantly heavier in animals treated with T-2 plus various levels of estradiol than in those treated with T-2 alone Furthermore, serum levels of both estradiol and prolactin were significantly elevated in the groups treated with estrogen Rats in experiment 2 were orchiectomized and hypophysectomized and were divided into two groups One group was treated with T-2 and another with T-2 + E-2 Three weeks later, weights of the three lobes of the prostate were not significantly different between the two groups Although serum levels of estradiol were significantly higher in the T-2 + E-2 group than in the From the Department of Urology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois T-2 group, serum levels of prolactin were not significantly different In experiment 3, rats were orchiectomized and hypophysectomized and were divided into two groups; one received E-2, while the other received empty capsules One week later, all three lobes of the prostate in E-2-treated animals were significantly heavier than the respective lobes in those receiving empty capsules However, by three weeks weights of respective lobes were not significantly different between the two groups To further investigate whether estradiol in the absence of testosterone and the pituitary has any stimulatory effect on the rat prostate, experiment 4 was carried out Rats were orchiectomized and hypophysectomized; after three weeks, E-2 or empty capsules were implanted After one week of treatment with E-2 or empty capsules, prostatic weights were not significantly different between the two groups Results indicate that estradiol in the presence of testosterone and the functional pituitary has a stimulatory effect on the growth of the lateral lobe of the rat prostate This stimulatory effect of estrogen was mediated through the pituitary In the absence of testosterone and the functional pituitary, estradiol is unable to stimulate prostatic growth; rather, it delays the rate of castration-induced regression in all three lobes of the rat prostate
28 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate that the pituitary capacity was not affected, but that the sensitivity to low doses was decreased after 12 weeks, and the testosterone increase In response to acute stimulation with LHRH or its agonist was not suppressed by chronic treatment.
Abstract: The effects of chronic, high-dose treatment with an LHRH-agonist (D-Ser-(TBu)6-LHRH-ethylamide) on pituitary and testicular functions were investigated in four adult rhesus monkeys In-season. Doses of 4 μg of agonist per day for eight weeks followed by 20 μg/day for four weeks caused a significant decrease in testicular volume and a transient suppression of sperm counts, although counts at the end of treatment were not different from control values. Basal levels of LH were not altered by chronic treatment. Responses to acute stimulation with high and low doses of LHRH or the agonist were measured in terms of the LH increase over basal values and the cumulative response. The results indicate that the pituitary capacity was not affected, but that the sensitivity to low doses was decreased after 12 weeks. Basal testosterone concentrations were decreased during the early and later phases of treatment. The testosterone increase In response to acute stimulation with LHRH or its agonist was not suppressed by chronic treatment, although the cumulative response to low doses of both substances was less after 12 weeks of treatment with high doses of the agonist.
24 citations
TL;DR: The present study emphasizes the need for a careful re-examination of the current clinical management of these patients within the first months after trauma, with a significant linear correlation observed between the time elapsed after the trauma and the plasma levels of T and DHT.
Abstract: Ten men aged 12 to 48 years with a complete neurophysiologic transection of the spinal cord (seven paraplegic, two quadriplegic, and one hemiplegic) were endocrinologically investigated to determine the relationships between the plasma concentrations of gonadotropins, prolactin, and androgens and to search for possible correlations with the time elapsed after the trauma (one-79 months). Peripheral blood samples were obtained from each subject every other day to measure follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), androstenedione (A), testosterone (1), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and the results were compared with the values obtained from age-matched healthy individuals. On a group basis (without including two prepubertal patients), a significant linear correlation was observed between the time elapsed after the trauma and the plasma levels of T (r = 0.683, P = 0.05) and DHT (r = 0.832, P < 0.025), but not A. Both FSH and LH plasma concentrations were elevated in all instances, and 70% of the patients also had higher PRL values when compared with healthy male subjects. The present study emphasizes the need for a careful re-examination of the current clinical management of these patients within the first months after trauma.
23 citations
TL;DR: The hamster testis was studied by light and electron microscopy at intervals of two weeks, five months, and one year after vasectomy, and a spectrum of changes was present, characterized by varying degrees of depletion of germ cells.
Abstract: The hamster testis was studied by light and electron microscopy at intervals of two weeks, five months, and one year after vasectomy. No changes were detected at two weeks, but most testes showed microscopic alterations at subsequent intervals. The most striking characteristic of the lesions was their patchy distribution, in which severly altered profiles lay next to apparently normal seminiferous tubules. A spectrum of changes was present, characterized by varying degrees of depletion of germ cells. There were numerous vacuoles in the cytoplasm of Sertoli cells and dilatations of the extracellular space between adjacent Sertoli cells. Both spaces frequently were surrounded by a layer of cytoplasm that resembled that of Sertoli junctional specializations. One testis prepared a year after vasectomy contained multiple infiltrates of phagocytic cells. Possible mechanisms of focal testicular damage after vasectomy are considered.
TL;DR: Data indicate that optic enucleatlon results in a reversal of the sensitivity of Sertoll cells to FSH, an effect which may be important for the reinitiation of spermatogenesis, which naturally follows the regressed state.
Abstract: Sertoli cells isolated from immature, adult, and adult optic-enucleated hamsters respond to FSH, but not to LH, with an increase in cAMP accumulation. There is an age-related decline in responsiveness of Sertoli cells to FSH. Sertoli cells cultured from optic-enucleated adult hamsters with regressed testes respond to FSH with an Increased accumulation of cAMP similar in magnitude to that of immature Sertoli cells. These data indicate that optic enucleatlon results in a reversal of the sensitivity of Sertoll cells to FSH, an effect which may be important for the reinitiation of spermatogenesis, which naturally follows the regressed state.
TL;DR: Chronic melatonin administration is as repressive to the reproductive status as is a short photoperlod in adult white-footed mice under the conditions of the present study.
Abstract: The reproductive consequences of photoperiod and melatonin administration were compared in adult white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). Animals were exposed either to a long photoperlod (16 hours of light:8 hours of dark) with and without subcutaneous melatonin—beeswax implants or to a short photoperiod (8 hours of light:16 hours of dark) for six weeks. Following treatment with either a short photoperiod or melatonin, testicular weights and volumes as well as plasma testosterone levels were significantly (P < 0.01) reduced relative to animals maintained under long daily photoperiods without melatonln Implants. Under the conditions of the present study, chronic melatonin administration is as repressive to the reproductive status as is a short photoperlod in adult white-footed mice.
TL;DR: Frozen bovine semen from males of wellestablished, generally high fertility levels was thawed and used in three experiments for In vitro capillary tube migration through cervical mucus, requiring that the sperm migration test be standardized relative to sources of mucus and storage time if different seminal specimens are to be compared.
Abstract: Frozen bovine semen from males of wellestablished, generally high fertility levels was thawed and used in three experiments for In vitro capillary tube migration through cervical mucus. Bovine cervical mucus from individual heifers or a group of heifers was evaluated in these assays. Correlations between spermatozoal migration and bull fertility were small and not significant. Significant differences in spermatozoal migration distances were due to bulls, source of mucus, and storage time of mucus before use in the assay. These differences did not appear to affect the correlations obtained, but they require that the sperm migration test be standardized relative to sources of mucus and storage time if different seminal specimens are to be compared.
TL;DR: It is concluded that human seminal fluid contains factors capable of inhibiting binding of FHS to testis receptors, and the nature and physiologic significance of these factors are as yet uncertain.
Abstract: Human seminal plasma, freed of spermatozoa by centrifugation, inhibited binding of iodine-125 (125I)-hFSH to receptors in calf testes. Binding inhibition (BI) was seen in seminal plasma from intact as well as vasectomized adult males. There was a significant (60%) decrease in FSH-BI activity following dialysis against Spectrapor #1 membrane (passing substances of molecular weight 6000 or less). Both dialyzed and undialyzed seminal plasma gave binding inhibition curves nonparallel to that of human FSH. FSH-BI activity in seminal plasma was unaffected by repeated freezing and thawing or by extraction with ether or chloroform. It was, however, markedly decreased after adsorption of seminal plasma with charcoal and could be precipitated with 80% ethanol. There was no loss of FSH-BI activity upon heating seminal plasma at 95 C for up to 80 minutes, but an approximate 40% loss occurred after heating for 24 hours at 95 C. GeI filtration and ultrafiltration experiments indicated FSH-BI activity in seminal plasma to be associated with two major components, one with a molecular weight of about 19, 500, the other with a molecular weight of about 1000. The inhibition of 125I-hFSH binding to calf testes receptors by an 80% ethanol precipitate of human seminal fluid was studied by direct least-square nonlinear regression analysis. The data best fitted a model whereby the FSH receptor contained two hormone binding sites with identical affinity constants, one of which could be blocked by FSH-BI with a simultaneous reduction in affinity for FSH at the second site. Using the rat as a model, high levels of FSH-BI activity were detected in extracts of testis and other urogenital tissue, although to varying degrees. In contrast, extracts of rat heart had barely detectable levels of FSH-BI activity, suggesting a tissue specificity for the inhibitor. From our studies we conclude that human seminal fluid contains factors capable of inhibiting binding of FHS to testis receptors. The nature and physiologic significance of these factors are as yet uncertain.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the concentrations of total 17β-hydroxy-androgens and total estrogens in jugular blood bear little relationship to their concentrations a few minutes earlier in venous blood draining the testis.
Abstract: The relationships among testicular vein and jugular vein concentrations of androgens and estrogens were studied in anesthetized stallions. Blood was sampled from a vein on the surface of the testis and simultaneously from an artery on the surface of the testis and from the jugular vein. Concentrations of total 17β-hydroxy-androgens and total estrogens were measured for all samples and testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, 3α-andostanediol, 3β-androstanediol, and 5-androstenediol were quantified In selected samples. Following halothane anesthesia and hemicastration of 19 stallions, the testosterone concentration in jugular blood dropped over 3 hours but returned to normal within two days. Although jugular levels of total 17β-hydroxy-androgens were normal (∼1.4 ng/ml) 12 days after hemicastration, the concentration of total 17β-hydroxy-androgens in testicular vein blood was sixfold greater (P < 0.01) than it had been at hemlcastratlon (368 vs 62 nglml). The ratio of testosterone to 5α-reduced-androgens was similar in testicular vein blood from the first and second testes. Apparently, the clearance rate for testosterone had changed from ∼2.4 I/minI stallion to ∼6.2 1/min/stallion in 12 days. Concentrations of total estrogens in testicular vein blood were similar for the first and second testes (27, 400 pg/ml) as compared with the values for jugular vein and testicular artery blood (63 and 293 pg/mI, respectively). Clearance rate of estrogens (∼23.3 1/mm in Intact stallions) apparently decreased by 50%. Although anesthesia plus hemicastration may have altered blood flow to the remaining testis, a change in blood flow could not account for the concurrent increase in testosterone and decrease in estrogen clearance rates. Injection of 1500 IU of hCG markedly increased (P < 0.01) the concentration of total 17β-hydroxy-androgens in testicular vein blood 1 hour later, but the concentration of total estrogens was unaltered 1 or 2 hours after treatment. We concluded that the concentrations of total 17β-hydroxy-androgens and total estrogens in jugular blood bear little relationship to their concentrations a few minutes earlier in venous blood draining the testis.
TL;DR: It is suggested that ODC responsiveness decreases during bovine Sertoli cell maturation and that LH or hCG may have significant FSH-like effects in this system.
Abstract: The activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) was determined in primary cultures of bovine Sertoli cells after gonadotropin stimulation in vitro. A significant increase in both ODC activity and putrescine content was noted 4 hours after FSH stimulation of cells derived from animals 7 to 14 days of age. Response in cells derived from animals 2 months of age was significantly less. Additionally, it was noted that both LH and hCG stimulated the ODC activity in bovine Sertoli cell preparations. These findings suggest that ODC activity In bovine Sertoli cells may be under FSH control and that LH or hCG may have significant FSH-like effects in this system. Also, It is suggested that ODC responsiveness decreases during bovine Sertoli cell maturation.
TL;DR: The subject, a 28-year-old man, was seen for recurrence of varicocele following operative treatment by anatomically high ligation of the Internal spermatic vein, and an unusual collateral vein causing operative failure was detected by phlebography.
Abstract: Operative treatment of varicocele by anatomically high ligation of the internal spermatic vein carries a 5% surgical failure rate, resulting In recurrence. Detection of the cause of the recurrence can be done efficiently by intraoperative internal spermatic phlebography. In this case report, an unusual collateral vein causing operative failure is described with its management. The subject, a 28-year-old man, was seen for recurrence of varicocele following operative treatment by anatomically high ligation of the Internal spermatic vein. An unusual collateral venous “bypass” of the ligated vein was detected by phlebography. Reoperation using the lower transinguinal approach was curative. The operative correction of recurrence of varicocele by transinguinal approach combined with phlebography Is recommended.
TL;DR: The results suggest that extended exposure is required to elicit direct effects of the agonist on testicular function and that these effects, which involve interference with steroidogenesis and not steroid action, differ qualitatively in the hypx animals from those occurring In the presence of the pituitary.
Abstract: Co-incubation with a potent LHRH agonist, D-Ala6-Des-Gly10-Pro9-NHEt-LHRH (Wy-18, 481), did not affect testosterone or progesterone production by adult intact rat testes in vitro. Prior administration to adult intact rats in vivo (100 μg/rat/day, subcutaneously) reduced subsequent basal and hCG-stimulated testosterone production in vitro and dramatically increased progesterone production. Similar chronic administration of the agonist in vivo to adult hypophysectomized (hypx) rats also depressed testosterone production in vitro but had no effect on that of progesterone. Using dosages which produce marked inhibition of the weights of the testes and of accessory reproductive glands in both immature and adult intact rats, long-term (up to 28 days) treatment with Wy-18, 481 slightly potentiated the atrophy of the testes and of the seminal vesicles due to hypophysectomy in the immature rat but had no apparent effect in the hypx adult. Concurrent administration of Wy-18, 481 did not affect the support provided to the reproductive organs by dihydrotestosterone replacement in either immature or adult hypx rats. These results suggest that extended exposure is required to elicit direct effects of the agonist on testicular function and that these effects, which involve interference with steroidogenesis and not steroid action, differ qualitatively in the hypx animals from those occurring In the presence of the pituitary. Moreover, there appears to be an age-related difference in sensitivity to the direct effect of the agonist.
TL;DR: The pigtailed macaque appears to be a suitable primate model for morphologic analysis of structural variables during epididymal sperm maturation.
Abstract: Ultrastructural characteristics of the acrosome, postacrosomal region, plasma membrane, and cytoplasmic droplet in spermatozoa taken from the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymidis of the pigtailed macaque are described. The subdivision of the postacrosomal region into an anterior and a posterior segment is demonstrated. Maturational changes manifest in the caudal shift of the cytoplasmic droplet and swelling of the plasma membrane are observed during epididymal transit in this species and are similar to those reported for other monkeys. However, the changes in the rostral segment of the acrosome are more striking than any in other Old World monkeys studied to date. In the caput epididymidis, the acrosome is asymmetric because its apical segment extends well beyond the rostral edge of the nucleus and folds under it, giving the acrosome a small but distinct hook shape In sagittal section. In the corpus and cauda, the acrosome contracts down over the nucleus, resulting in the loss of the asymmetry of the contours of the sperm head, and the distinctive hook-shaped apical segment of the acrosome is no longer seen in sagittal section. On the basis of these findings, the pigtailed macaque appears to be a suitable primate model for morphologic analysis of structural variables during epididymal sperm maturation.
TL;DR: A sensitive radiometric assay was developed for detecting PLA2 activity, and progesterone, dihydrotestosterone, and testosterone all stimulated the enzyme at lower concentrations (10−9-10−7 M), with testosterone giving maximUm stimulation at a lower dosage.
Abstract: A sensitive radiometric assay was developed for detecting phospholipase A1 and A2 (PLA1 and A2) activity. Four to five times more PLA2 activity was observed in rat testes than PLA1 activity. Two PLA2 were observed in the testis, one with an acid (3.5) and one with an alkaline (7.5–8.0) pH optimum. The acid pH optimal PLA2 was located in the interstitial and lysosomal fractions. The alkaline pH optimal PLA2 was localized in the germinal elements of the seminiferous tubules and in the lysosomalenriched and membrane-enriched fractions. Triton X-100 inhibited PLA2 at 10−2 M and inhibited PLA1 at 10−3. At 10−2 PA, triton X-100 activated PLA1. EGTA inhibited PLA2 activity, whereas Ca++ at 10−2 to 10−3 M restored this activity. Corticosterone had no effect on PLA2 activity, but progesterone, dihydrotestosterone, and testosterone all stimulated the enzyme at lower concentrations (10−9-10−7 M), with testosterone giving maximUm stimulation at a lower dosage (ie, 10−9 M compared to 10−7 M for dihydrotestosterone). Both androgens inhibited PLA2 activity at higher concentrations.
TL;DR: The present data indicate that the stimulatory effect of prolactin at an early stage(s) of the testicular steroidogenic pathway remains relatively intact In the desensitized testis and leads to an apparent accentuation of the LHRH-agonist-lnduced enzymatic blockage at the level of 17-hydroxylase and 17, 20-desmolase activities.
Abstract: The effect of prolactin on testicular steroidogenesis was studied in intact adult male rats and in animals treated for 12 days with the LHRH-agonist [D-Ala6, des-Gly-NH210]LHRH ethylamide (LHRH-agonist, 1 μg every third day). Testicular LH and prolactin receptors are decreased to 20 and 50% of control, respectively, 26 hours after the last injection of LHRH-agonist. This loss of testicular receptors is accompanied by an increase in the concentration of testicular pregnenolone (500%) and progesterone (700%), whereas 17-OH-progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone are decreased to 50, 25, 10, and 60% of control levels, respectively. The Injection of 2 mg of ovine prolactin in intact rats 2 hours before sacrifice leads to an increase in testicular 17-OH-progesterone (300%) and androgen (100%) levels. However, in animals treated with the LHRH-agonist, prolactin injection leads to an increase in only progesterone and pregnenolone levels, whereas the concentration of the other steroids remains low. The present data indicate that the stimulatory effect of prolactin at an early stage(s) of the testicular steroidogenic pathway remains relatively intact In the desensitized testis and leads to an apparent accentuation of the LHRH-agonist-lnduced enzymatic blockage at the level of 17-hydroxylase and 17, 20-desmolase activities.
TL;DR: The combination of LNg and E1 administered in this fashion was not adequate to achieve spermatogenic arrest in all subjects, including the period when the hormone-bearing rods were still in place, Consequently, this regimen is not judged to hold promise as a method of fertility regulation.
Abstract: The effects of a combination of a progestin, levonorgestrel (LNg), and estrone (E1), on exocrine and endocrine testicular function were examined in adult men. The mode of administration was subcutaneously implanted dimethyl polysiloxane rods impregnated with either of the two hormones. The technical data on the rods used are as follows: length 30 mm, outer diameter 2.4 mm, hormone content/rod approximately 40 mg of LNg or E1. The subjects enrolled in the study were divided into two regimen groups: group A received six levonorgestrel and three estrone rods; group B, ten levonorgestrel and six estrone rods. The rods were implanted subcutaneously in the submammillary region. Complete spermatogenic arrest of variable duration was achieved in eleven of 13 subjects. In the two nonresponders, spermatogenesis was completely unaffected by the treatment. All subjects complained of some decrease of libido, erections, and potency, particularly during the first three to four months after initiation of treatment when testosterone in serum was at Its lowest levels. Clinical evaluations and measurements of various urine and serum components revealed no significant changes during the treatment period. The combination of LNg and E1 administered in this fashion was not adequate to achieve spermatogenic arrest in all subjects, including the period when the hormone-bearing rods were still in place. Consequently, this regimen is not judged to hold promise as a method of fertility regulation.
TL;DR: The testes of obese Zucker rats have a normal composition of seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells and a normal pattern of maturation of motility as sperm pass through the reproductive tract, suggesting that the severely reduced reproductive capacity of the obese male may be primarily due to the previously reported abnormal sexual behavior.
Abstract: The reproductive system of male obese Zucker rats was studied to determine whether there are abnormalities in testis composition, organ weights, or sperm motility, which might contribute to their severely reduced reproductive capacity. The left testes of obese and lean rats were evaluated histomorphometrically according to Chalkley's method (1943). Relative to weight, the percentage of seminiferous tubules, interstitial space, and Leydig cells of fat rats did not differ significantly from those of their lean littermates. The weights of the testes and accessory glands were not significantly different in fat versus lean groups. Sperm recovered from the testes and head and tail of the epididymides showed no differences between fat and lean rats in the percentage classified as immobile, oscillatory, circularly moving, or forwardly progressing. These findings suggest that the testes of obese Zucker rats have a normal composition of seminiferous tubules and interstitial cells and a normal pattern of maturation of motility as sperm pass through the reproductive tract. The severely reduced reproductive capacity of the obese male may be primarily due to the previously reported abnormal sexual behavior. It is not due to an inability to produce motile spermatozoa.
TL;DR: The observed pattern of gonadotropin release is consistent with gonadal failure previously documented in diabetics, and the paradoxical GH responses suggest that diabetes also affects the function of the hypothalamic—pituitary unit in a manner similar to that documented in other pathologic conditions.
Abstract: In order to elucidate the hypothalamic—pituitary function in diabetes, the pituitary responsiveness of LH, FSH, prolactin (PRL), and growth hormone (GH) to a thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH, 200 μg) plus gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH, 100 μg) intravenous bolus injection was studied in a group of 13 insulindependent male patients aged 23–47 years. The results obtained for gonadotropin secretion showed LH responses to be significantly higher than those obtained in a group of controls, while basal and stimulated FSH levels were not different from those in the controls. There were no significant differences in PRL secretion between diabetics and control subjects. However, most of the diabetic patients studied (nine out of 12) showed an unexpected but definite GH response to the combined TRH + GnRH test. In conclusion, the observed pattern of gonadotropin release is consistent with gonadal failure previously documented in diabetics. However, the paradoxical GH responses suggest that diabetes also affects the function of the hypothalamic—pituitary unit in a manner similar to that documented in other pathologic conditions.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The data indicate that, in addition to the epididymis, the seminal vesicles and/or vas deferens are major contributors of carnitine in human semen.
Abstract: A study was initiated to determine the sources of carnitine in the male reproductive system. Free and total carnitine was measured in a group of healthy men before and after vasectomy. Each individual served as his own control. The results show that postvasectomy semen contains about 52% as much total carnitine and 40% as much free carnitine as prevasectomy samples. The data indicate that, in addition to the epididymis, the seminal vesicles and/or vas deferens are major contributors of carnitine in human semen.
TL;DR: Exposure during sexual maturation to alcohol plus Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol plus THC significantly decreased the weights of adrenals, kidneys, testes, and emptied seminal vesicles ten days after cessation of treatment.
Abstract: Exposure during sexual maturation to alcohol (ETOH) plus Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) significantly decreased the weights of adrenals, kidneys, testes, and emptied seminal vesicles ten days after cessation of treatment. Administration of ETOH alone reduced kidney weights, and that of THC alone decreased emptied seminal vesicle weights. The effects of THC treatment may be reversible, since mice killed 24 hours after the last exposure also had signifIcant reductions in kidney and testes weights. In contrast, perinatal exposure to ETOH or THC, alone or in combination, decreased testes weights in adulthood; THC alone reduced seminal weights, and ETOH or THC alone decreased kidney weights. Testosterone production in vitro was lower in testes obtained from mice perinatally exposed to ETOH, and plasma testosterone levels were reduced in all drug-exposed animals. Plasma LH levels were lower and FSH levels higher in mice perinatally treated with the combination of ETOH plus THC. Postcastration LH and FSH levels were elevated in THC-exposed mice. Exposure to ETOH or THC, alone or in combination, influences the development of male reproductive function in mice.
TL;DR: It was concluded that testosterone and progesterone were readily transferred to the ejaculate from the blood.
Abstract: Plasma and semen concentrations of androgens and progestins were not influenced by repetitive ejaculation in bulls. Within 20 minutes after the injection of testosterone (100 mg Intravenously), plasma concentration of androgen (mean ± SEM) was 698 ± 240 ng/ml (92% testosterone) and semen concentration of androgen was 27.7 ng/ml (76% testosterone). Within 20 minutes after the injection of progesterone (100 mg intravenously), plasma concentration of progestin was 2226 ± 635 ng/ml (96% progesterone) and semen concentration of progestin was 68.2 ± 2.2 ng/ml (68% progesterone). Thereafter, the concentrations of androgens and progestins in both plasma and semen steadily declined. Semen/blood concentration ratio values for progestins and androgens were similar to each other during the experimental period. It was concluded that testosterone and progesterone were readily transferred to the ejaculate from the blood.